"I think it would be a huge loss for this organization for him not to come back, obviously, on the field, a lot, too," Lester told the Web site. "But definitely in the clubhouse would be a guy missed in there."
Terry Francona recognizes that Beckett has an important role with the Red Sox.
"Beckett is important to a lot of people in there," Francona told WEEI.com. "He is the leader of that staff. He's earned that respect, and there's a lot that comes with it. People look up to him. I think he's proud of that. He should be."
Beckett will earn $12 million this season in the last year of a three-year, $30 million deal. Francona does not believe Beckett's contract will be a distraction — for the pitcher or the team.
"I just know how he approaches things," Francona added. "I know how Theo [Epstein] approaches things. I've heard their communication, and it's not a concern."
